neuter of a derivative of ἱλάσκομαι; an expiatory (place or thing), i.e. (concretely) an atoning victim, or (specially) the lid of the Ark (in the Temple):--mercyseat, propitiation.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hilastḗrion**, represented by `{{G2435}}`, refers to an expiatory place or thing. It appears only **2 times** in **2 verses**, yet carries significant weight by being translated as both **propitiation** and **mercyseat**. This dual meaning bridges the concept of an atoning victim with the specific, holy location of the Ark of the Covenant's lid.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, `{{G2435}}` illustrates two distinct but related concepts. In Romans, it is presented as a **propitiation** that God has set forth through faith in his blood, serving to declare God's righteousness for the remission of sins [[Romans 3:25]]. In Hebrews, the word is used as **mercyseat**, describing the physical object over which the cherubims of glory stood, shadowing it [[Hebrews 9:5]]. One usage defines a theological action, while the other refers to a sacred object.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G2435}}` in its context:
* `{{G129}}` **haîma** (blood): This word is central to the concept of propitiation in [[Romans 3:25]]. Its definition specifies "the atoning blood of Christ."
* `{{G1343}}` **dikaiosýnē** (righteousness): The propitiation is set forth to declare God's righteousness, which is defined as "equity" or "(Christian) justification" [[Romans 3:25]].
* `{{G5502}}` **cheroubím** (cherubims): These figures are described as shadowing the mercyseat, directly linking `{{G2435}}` to the imagery of the Ark in the Old Testament temple [[Hebrews 9:5]].
* `{{G1391}}` **dóxa** (glory): The cherubims are described as being "of glory," signifying the manifest presence and honor of God at the mercyseat [[Hebrews 9:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2435}}` is profound, connecting Old Testament symbolism with New Testament fulfillment.
* **Atoning Victim:** As a **propitiation**, the term points to Christ as the ultimate atoning victim. God himself **set forth** `{{G4388}}` this propitiation through **faith** `{{G4102}}` in Christ's **blood** `{{G129}}` to address past **sins** `{{G265}}` [[Romans 3:25]].
* **The Place of Atonement:** As the **mercyseat**, it represents the holy meeting place between God and humanity. This location, covered by the **cherubims** `{{G5502}}`, was where atonement was symbolically made in the temple [[Hebrews 9:5]].
* **Demonstration of Righteousness:** The purpose of the propitiation was to declare God's **righteousness** `{{G1343}}`, showing his justice in dealing with sin because of his **forbearance** `{{G463}}` [[Romans 3:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2435}}` is a pivotal term that, despite its infrequent use, encapsulates a core doctrine of salvation. It simultaneously signifies the *act* of propitiation through Christ's sacrifice and the *place* of mercy prefigured by the Ark of the Covenant. This single word powerfully illustrates how the symbolism of the temple finds its ultimate meaning and fulfillment in the person and work of Christ.
TRV